Hey there, what’s your biggest fear about traveling? Is it leaving your comfort zone? Or having an underwhelming experience at a supposedly great location?
If either point resonates with you, then hear me out.
As a seasoned Wisconsin resident, I’m familiar with its lively and serene holiday spots, particularly along the shores of Lake Michigan.
So, come with me as we tour the scenic beaches and homely resorts suitable for your next Wisconsin family vacation.
The Top Lake Michigan Wisconsin Beaches and Resorts
Beaches
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Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan)
Source: self/wikimediacommons Few beaches can rival the tranquillity offered by Kohler-Andrea’s golden sand and clear blue waters. Its enchanting dunes and numerous recreational activities make it a famous vacation spot.
Beyond the beach are hike trails like Cordwalk-Boardwalk Trail and Black River Trails. They offer opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the serenity of the wetlands.
Inclusive facilities like beach wheelchairs ensure no one gets left out of the fun.
When the sun goes down, you and your family may retire to your secured units in the family campground.
Attractions:
- Accessible trail
- Campsites
- Picnic sites and shelters
- Fishing Pier
- Nature Center
- Pets (allowed in some parts)
- Free-use beach wheelchairs
Location: 1020 Beach Park Ln – Sheboygan, WI 53081
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Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)
Source: Dan Mullen This is the home for beach activities in Milwaukee, from swimming to beach sports like volleyball and beach soccer. There is enough recreation to occupy your kids while you soak in the sun.
After getting tanned, you can head to the cocktail bar to enjoy a drink while admiring the beauty of Lake Michigan.
A few years back, Bradford Beach added a 100-foot ramp that runs from the street to the beach. This feature makes it one of the most accessible and inclusive beaches in the country.
Attractions:
- Volleyball courts
- Bathhouse
- Two concessions buildings
- Beach house and hut
Location: Lincoln Memorial Drive – Milwaukee, WI 53211
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Schoolhouse Beach (Washington Island)
Source: Gina Moskowitz If you’re a fan of uncommon adventures, the Schoolhouse Beach is perfect for you. Instead of sand, this spectacular beach consists of smooth limestones.
So, no sand in your shoes and flip-flops? Nice. But that also means you cannot build sandcastles.
Not to worry; you can always make them using stones, but ensure you knock them over before leaving.
Beyond the shoreline are leisure activities, including swimming, diving, rafting, and even guided shipwreck explorations. Whichever you indulge in, ensure you do it in the marked areas.
Attractions:
- Wooded picnic and cookout spots
- Snorkeling
- Guided cruises
Location: Schoolhouse Beach Road – Washington Island, WI 54246
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North Beach (Racine)
Source: Daniel Orth When someone mentions North Beach, the first thing that comes to my mind is its 2,500 feet of shoreline space.
The activities here are equally numerous: volleyball, playground, live music, a concession stand, and a non-slip mat for wheelchair users.
You may also swim, fish, or have picnics with your friends and family.
Attractions:
- Volleyball courts
- Lifeguards
- Live music
- Kids Playground
Location: 100 Kewaunee Street – Racine, WI 53402
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Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers)
Source: Yinan Chen Point Beach State Forest should be your pick if you want a beach with space for general family activities. It has trails for biking, hiking, and walking. There are also good spots for family picnics.
Nature enthusiasts may even indulge in birding or tree naming. There are many ideal activities to create fun family moments.
Attractions:
- Bike and hike trails
- Picnic spots
- Panoramic views
- Pets (permission may be required)
- Museum
Location: 9400 County Road O – Two Rivers, WI 54241
Resorts
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Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center (Sheboygan)
Source: self/wikimediacommons It’s as much fun and adventure as you can have at this beautiful resort on the shorelines of Lake Michigan.
One highlight of this place is the scenic view it offers visitors. If you still doubt Lake Michigan’s beauty, wait till you see the sun rising over it.
Every family member will find something to delight in here. For the kids, there is a massive indoor water park with amusements like slides and surf simulators. The adults may indulge in relaxing full-body massages at the spa.
After the day’s activities, you may recharge with a trip to the resort’s restaurants for a sumptuous meal.
Attractions:
- Waterpark
- Restaurant
- Full-Service Spa
- Overnight accommodations
- Foodservice
Location: 725 Blue Harbor Dr – Sheboygan, WI 53081
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Glidden Lodge Beach Resort (Sturgeon Bay)
Source: Glidden Lodge If you’re about stress-free fun, you should head to this privately owned beach resort.
It’s an oasis of nature’s finest, from the private patios overlooking the scenic Lake Michigan to furnished apartments with cozy rooms and tubs.
Here, the only requirements are relaxation and nature appreciation skills.
Attractions:
- Secluded wooded location
- Free Daily coffee packets
- Double whirlpool tubs
- Gas Fireplace
Location: 4676 Glidden Dr – Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
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A Cliffside Home Rental (Gills Rock)
Source: cliffsidelodge.com Go to the edge of fun with this vacation home set on a 60-foot cliff with a picturesque view of Lake Michigan. As you can expect, vacationing here means the best views of the surroundings, including Washington Island.
They offer cabins with plenty of space and elegant furnishing. They also cater to cooking and cleaning. So, you have more time for fun family activities indoors or in the games room.
Attractions:
- Well Equipped Cabin
- Fireplace
- Internet access
- Game Room
- Washer and Dryer
- Chef
Location: 849 Wisconsin Bay Rd – Gills Rock, WI 54210
Why is Lake Michigan important to Wisconsin?
In addition to providing over a million Wisconsin citizens with drinking water, Lake Michigan is also important to the state’s economy. There are major shipping ports in Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Duluth-Superior through which goods enter Wisconsin. It also contributes massively to the tourism sector and sport fishing events.
Where are the best places to swim in Lake Michigan?
Lake Michigan has many beautiful and clean beaches to swim in, including North Beach, Bradford Beach, and Kohler-Andrae State Park—all in Wisconsin.
What is Lake Michigan known for?
Apart from having the largest freshwater dunes in the world (which form beaches and resorts), it’s also famous for its excellent trout, which attracts many fishing events.